New Program Will Enhance Health Care Coordination
for American Indian AHCCCS Members

PHOENIX, AZ – The Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) received federal approval to provide American Indian Medical Home (AIMH) services to support approximately 120,000 American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) AHCCCS members who receive health care through the American Indian Health Program.

Under an intergovernmental agreement, the American Indian Medical Home program will allow a Tribal 638 or Indian Health Services facility to apply for status as a medical home, becoming a patient’s “home base” of primary care case management and care coordination. American Indians who qualify for AHCCCS and are enrolled in the American Indian Health Program will be able to choose a medical home once the voluntary program is implemented.

“The AIMH program adds significant benefit for our American Indian AHCCCS members who see doctors, clinicians and caregivers who are not necessarily connected through a networked system. As an AIMH, a single facility can provide a more comprehensive health care approach,” said Markay Adams, assistant director of the Division of Fee for Service Management at AHCCCS.

The AIMH program supports primary care case management, diabetes education, and care coordination for AIHP members. Using a medical home, patients will have increased opportunity for holistic, comprehensive, and self-directed care.

Health care facilities will be able to apply to become a medical home beginning in October 2017.